PS Range

Capacitor Vacuum Switches

 Introduction
ABB introduces the latest range of PS capacitor vacuum
switches. The PS15, PS17 and PS25 make up the single phase
switch range, while the PS36 is a complete three phase switch.
1 The PS vacuum switch is a solid dielectric vacuum switch
suitable for use in distribution systems up to 38 kV ungrounded
(and 66 kV grounded). The switch has been specifically designed
and tested in accordance with ANSI C37.66 for heavy-duty
2
operation in capacitor-switching applications for the harshest
climatic conditions.

The PS capacitor vacuum switch is designed to reduce

lifecycle costs and offer customers true value.
3

1. Range-taking connection clamp

#8 solid to 2/0 AWG stranded or up to 70 mm2.

4 2. Sleek compact design

Up to 200 kV BIL insulators offers high creepage distances
in relatively small overall dimensions.

3. Embedded vacuum interrupter

Unmatched protection from external influences.

4. Durable insulator
Advanced hydrophobic cycloaliphatic resin (HCEP) insulator
5
has silicone-like water resistant properties with specially
designed sheds engineered for durability.

5. Mounting flexibility
Insulator capable of 330° rotation to ease connection and
maintain clearances.
6 10 7
6. Interchangeability
Mounting brackets suit interchangeability with other brands.

7. Long-life metal housing

8 The main housing and trip lever mechanism is made from
stainless steel to provide superior corrosion resistance and
9 durability. The colour is RAL 7035 (ASA 70) light grey.

8. Protection for outdoor components

The trip lever and control cable connector have protective
weather covers.

9. High visibility
The yellow position indicator provides easy identification
of switch status. It doubles as a manual hookstick trip level
for isolation. All stainless steel components.

10. Control cable connection point

Control cable connection point to suit 5 or 7-pin Amphenol
connection.

Environmentally friendly
Free from any oil, gas or foam insulating mediums.

02 PS Range | Capacitor Vacuum Switches

Benefits Features

Economy Maintenance free

Standard features
− High visibility position indicator
− Manual trip lever
− Up to 200 kV BIL
− Wildlife protectors

Flexibility Mounting flexibility, rotatable 330° (single phase switches only)

Lightweight
Compact design
Operable with most capacitor controllers
Interchangeable with other makes of switches

Reliability Vacuum technology guarantees over 50,000 paired fault-free mechanical operations
Compliant to the highest restrike category in accordance to IEEE 37.66
Simplicity in design
Type tested to IEEE 37.66
Manufactured in an ISO9001 and ISO14001 environment

Easy to use Visual indication

Wide control voltage range
Low power solenoid mechanism
Over 50,000 paired maintenance-free mechanical operations

Durability Few moving parts

Stainless steel external components
Stainless steel 304 housing
Advanced hydrophobic cycloaliphatic resin (HCEP) insulator

Environmentally friendly Dry type design

Oil, gas and foam free

Safety Trip lever for emergency operation

Capacitor Vacuum Switches | PS Range 03

 Vacuum technology
A vacuum is an ideal switching medium. A vacuum provides
the dielectric strength required for capacitor switching and an
environmentally friendly insulating medium.

ABB’s range of PS switches utilises ABB’s proven vacuum

technology, with over 25 years of experience in developing and
manufacturing vacuum interrupters. ABB vacuum interrupters
have found applications in other ABB products including
automatic circuit reclosers, circuit breakers and contactors.

The PS switches have been designed with vacuum interrupters

that have been especially designed for capacitor switching
applications. The vacuum interrupter consists of copper
chromium (CuCr) contacts or tungsten copper (WCu) contacts for
higher voltages. This provides superior interrupting capabilities
and a capacity to withstand high temperatures, guaranteeing a
long switching life.

ABB vacuum interrupters are renowned for their operational

reliability and robust construction. The PS vacuum switch
is capable of over 50,000 paired fault-free and
maintenance-free mechanical switching operations.

Magnetic actuator technology

The magnetic actuator naturally provides force-travel
characteristics ideal for vacuum switching. The solenoid also
reduces the number of parts and the need for maintenance.

The design of the PS vacuum switch incorporates a fast-acting

solenoid mechanism, which eliminates prestrike and restrike of
switch contacts. The solenoid is a bi-stable magnetic system.
Switching operation is achieved by bi-polar excitation of the
coil until the retaining force of the permanent magnets are
exceeded. Even on power failure, the PS switch can be manually
disconnected by a manual trip lever.

The magnetic circuit is designed in such a way that the armature

acts directly via an insulating push rod on the moving contact of
the vacuum interrupter. This design, having fewer parts, reduces
the overall cost while increasing reliability.

The design of the magnetic actuator offers flexibility through its

capacity to operate under a wide range of control voltages.

The magnetic actuator is designed with power efficiency in

mind. The mechanism draws a 10 A ‘single shot’ current pulse
(100 msec) only during a close or trip operation at 120 V. At all
other times, it remains in stand-by, with virtually no current draw.

04 PS Range | Capacitor Vacuum Switches

Insulator technology
The PS switch insulator uses advanced ‘hydrophobic
cycloaliphatic epoxy’ (HCEP) resin. HCEP resin adds hydrophobic
properties similar to silicones, to the already advantageous
property profile of traditional cycloaliphatic epoxies. Increased
hydrophobicity leads to less surface wetting, which in turn
provides better reliability and improved life expectancy.
Cycloaliphatic epoxies are widely used in the electrical field and

IMAGE TO COME they are well known for their insulating properties, in particular
their very high resistance to electrical tracking. In summary,
HCEP is stronger than porcelain (chip and crack resistant) yet
electrically similar to silicone.

The PS switch insulator is manufactured by automatic pressure

gelation. In this process, the HCEP resin is fed into a preheated
mould where gelation occurs under pressurised conditions.
ABB has invested significant resources in perfecting this
manufacturing process to guarantee the structural and
electrical integrity of its insulators.

In all PS switches, the vacuum interrupter is protected from

external influences through encapsulation. The insulator
offers durability and resistance to harsh environments, while
maintaining high dielectric properties.

The range of available PS switches offers greater value with

a BIL range of 125 kV to 200 kV as standard.

Capacitor Vacuum Switches | PS Range 05

 Accessories
Terminal types [options]
A The PS vacuum switch comes with several cable termination
options including:
− 200 A standard termination
− 200 A / 400 A NEMA type termination
− 400 A termination

The terminals can be located either on the top of the switch

(location A), side of the switch (location B), or both locations.

The different terminal configurations and types are available

on the entire PS vacuum switch range.

200 A / 400 A 400 A 200 A

NEMA TYPE TERMINATION STANDARD
TERMINATION TERMINATION

06 PS Range | Capacitor Vacuum Switches

PS switch selection table
Switch selection table PS 15 – 1A M BC – 212 1 S

Switch rating:
15. 15.5 kV (1-phase only)
17. 17.5 kV (1-phase only)
25. 25.0 kV (1-phase only)
36. 38.0 kV (3-phase only)

Control voltage:
1A. 120 VAC
1D. 120 VDC
2A. 240 VAC
4D. 48 VDC

Latching options:
M. Mechanically latched
E. Electrically held

Limit switch (auxiliary contacts):

AO. N/O “A” contact (5-pin plug)
BC. N/C “B” contact (5-pin plug)
AB. N/O and N/C “A” and “B” contacts (7-pin plug)

Current rating / BIL:

212. 200 A, 125 kV BIL (PS15 and PS25 only)
412. 400 A, 125 kV BIL (PS15 only)
215. 200 A, 150 kV BIL (PS25 only)
415. 400 A, 150 kV BIL (PS17 only)
320. 300 A, 200 kV BIL (PS36 only)

Switch type:
1. Single phase switch
3. Three phase switch

Terminal palm:
S. Standard terminal
1. One hole terminal
2. Two hole terminal (NEMA type)

Capacitor switch standards

304 stainless steel tank
Two bird guards
Manual trip handle

Capacitor Vacuum Switches | PS Range 07

 Dimensions (mm)

130 64
(5.12") (2.52")

75
(2.95")

34 18
(1.34") (0.17")

MOUNTING BRACKET

110
(4.33")
54
(2.13")

200 A 400 A NEMA TYPE

LUG LUG 200 A / 400 A LUG

LUG OPTIONS

690
(27.17")

470
(18.5")

260
(10.24") 210
(8.27")

185 159 127

(7.28") (6.26") (5.0")

PS15 200 A PS15 400 A

125 kV BIL 125 kV BIL

08 PS Range | Capacitor Vacuum Switches

 860
(33.86")

555
(21.85")

PS17 400 A PS25 200 A PS25 200 A

150 kV BIL 125 kV BIL 150 kV BIL

Capacitor Vacuum Switches | PS Range 09

 Dimensions (mm)

10 ~ Ø 12
700
450
225

406

918
( 36.2")
400
( 15.8")
818
( 32.2")

OPTIONAL
FOR SURGE 911
ARRESTER (35.9")
MOUNTING

307
( 12.1")

680 889
( 26.3") ( 35.0")

PS36 300A
200 kV BIL

10 PS Range | Capacitor Vacuum Switches

Technical data
Electrical PS15 PS17 PS25 PS36

Rated maximum voltage, 50 / 60 Hz

Ungrounded capacitor banks, line-to-line kV rms 15.5 17.5 25 38
Grounded capacitors banks, line-to-line kV rms 27 30 43 66

Impulse withstand voltage

Line to ground kV BIL 125 125 150 125 150 200
Open contact kV BIL 95 125 125 125 125 200

Withstand voltage, 60 Hz
Dry, 1.0 minutes kV 50 60 60 70
Wet, 10 seconds kV 40 50 60 60

Continuous current 50/60 Hz A 200 400 400 200 300

Capacitive switching current (50/60 Hz) A 200 400 400 200 300

Loading interrupting current A 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000

Short time symmetrical withstand current

1.0 Second A 4,500 5,000 5,000 4,500 4,500 5,000

High frequency peak

Transient making current A 12,000 12,000 12,000 15,000
Transient in-rush frequency Hz 3,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000

Operating voltage range *

110/120 Vac (50 / 60 Hz) or Vdc V 90…130 90…130 90…130 90…130
240 Vac (50 / 60 Hz) V 205…265 205…265 205…265 205…265

Nominal control current for 100 msec A 10 10 10 30

Nominal open/close time msec 100 100 100 100

Continuous current (electronically held) mA 100 100 100 N/A

Creepage distance
Terminal to terminal mm 518 805 518 805 1,600
inches 20.4 31.7 20.4 31.7 62.99
Terminal to ground mm 498 757 498 757 1350
inches 19.2 29.8 19.2 29.8 53.15

General

Weight kg 13 16 16 ≈ 110
lbs 28 35 35 ≈ 243

†
Operating temperature range °C -40 to +65 -40 to +65 -40 to +65 -40 to +65
°F -40 to +149 -40 to +149 -40 to +149 -40 to +149

Mechanical endurance 50,000 50,000 50,000 20,000

Restrike category in accordnce to IEEE 37.66 Class C2 C1 C2 C2

Type test certificates from independent testing facilities are available upon request
* 48 Vdc special order upon request
†
For operating temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), please specify at order stage

Accessories
Auxiliary limit switch for switch status Junction box
Connection cables (including connectors) Wildlife protective covers (fitted as standard)
Power Factor Controller (ABB CQ900R, CQ900L) Remote power supplies

Capacitor Vacuum Switches | PS Range 11

Contact us

DPD PS ABB Rev 03 NOV 2010

Please contact your local sales representative
for further information
www.abb.com/powercapacitors
www.abbaustralia.com.au
©Copyright 2010 ABB. All rights reserved.
ABB is working continuously to improve our products.
We therefore reserve the right to change designs,
dimensions and data without prior notice.